History

We consider ourselves fortunate to be the guardians of this exceptional estate, and we are thrilled to revive this dormant beauty into a lively and vibrant one. Please enjoy this bird's eye view of the property that encompasses 7.5 acres of farmland, woods, water features, and centenarian edifices, situated just a half-hour away from downtown Zurich.

Built in 1909, the estate was designed as a hotel and restaurant. Due to its elevated geographical location on a moraine flanking the river Reuss, the Kurhaus und Restaurant Belvédère was advertised for its spectacular views, pure air and convenient commute to Zurich in ¾ hours by electric tramway. On top of these advantages, the location was praised for health benefits and stays were said be conducive to better ailments such as anemia, nervous diseases and for people seeking rest and recovery. A stay of 3 to 4 weeks was recommended to see results.

Unfortunately, due to mismanagement, the business went bankrupt and the property was auctioned off in October of 1920 to the Spanish honorary consul Alfred Zweifel, born in 1880, from Lenzburg, for the price of 57’000 Swiss francs, who transformed it into the Zweifel family home.

Now, it’s up to our generation to bring this dormant beauty back to vibrant life. And open it to a community that, like us, cares for our planet and shares our vision for topics like biodiversity, sustainability or permaculture. In the first year, we will start with a small patch and create a traditionnal Swiss kitchen garden according to the methods of regenerative farming.

Photos taken a hundred years ago …

A glimpse into history: the original Kurhaus Belvédère pamphlet

The Gardener’s House as seen from the Villa

A century ago, the hill overlooking Bremgarten — a glacial moraine shaped by ancient ice — was surrounded only by fields, meadows, and woods. The Hotel Belvédère stood as its solitary landmark.

Field workers at their tasks in front of the cottage, historically known as the Gardener’s House

The original dining area, now serving as formal rooms

A family is gathering at Villa Belvédère for a baptisme celebration in 1927